Robert Beaven

Robert Beaven

Robert Beaven, businessman, politician, premier of BC 1882-83 (b at Leigh, Eng 20 Jan 1836; d at Victoria 18 Sept 1920). He was attracted west from Toronto by the gold rushes and went into business in Victoria. During the agitation for BC's union with Canada he was secretary of the Confederation League. Elected in 1871 to the BC legislature, he served in the DE COSMOS and WALKEM Cabinets, and in 1882 succeeded Walkem as premier.

On losing the July 1882 election, he clung to office until defeated in the legislature, Jan 1883. Beaven continued to sit in the Assembly until 1894, part of the time as leader of the Opposition. He also served as mayor of Victoria in 1892, 1893 and 1896.